PAThe stars of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing celebrated the life of late professional dancer Robin Windsor with a performance, with judge Anton Dubeke describing him as “a sparkling person”.
Windsor, from Ipswich, Died in February44 years old.
“Robin Windsor: The Final Act” opens Sunday at the Theater Royal Drury Lane in London, with a cast that includes “Emmerdale” actor Lisa Riley, Windsor’s co-star in the 2012 show.
Introducing the show, Dubeke compared Windsor to a glittering Strictly trophy, with Riley adding that she hoped the dancers would “light up us all and continue to shine in heaven”.
The evening was organized by dancers Pasha Kovalev and Anya Garnis with the permission of the Windsor family, with all profits donated to mental health charity Sane, for which Windsor appeared as an ambassador on the BBC One show between 2010 and 2013.
Former Strictly contestant Deborah Meaden, who partnered Windsor in 2013, also makes an appearance.
Other stars to appear on the show include singer and actress Marissa Wallace, professional dancers Joanne Clifton and Vincent Simon and singer Lance Ellington.
The show ends with a film montage of Windsor’s life, from his childhood to becoming a strict dancer.
At the age of three, he began dancing at the Ipswich Dance School.
Sane A silent auction was held to raise funds for his work in memory of Windsor.
“The important message is to keep talking and look after your friends,” Riley said afterward.
Dubeke added: “Guys don’t talk and tend to keep secrets. Guys, speak up – talk to Sane.”
While on Strictly, Windsor worked with Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson and Riley, and won the 2011 Children in Need special with presenter Susanna Reid.
He also collaborated with Alison Hammond and Sarah Cox on the Strictly Christmas special and is the only person to perform on Broadway, the West End and Strictly Come Dancing in the same year.
